RAG MusicGraduation
A lovely graduation song

Heisei-era graduation songs roundup: iconic youth anthems from the ’90s to the 2010s

As graduation season approaches, we start hearing more and more graduation songs.

Beyond graduation itself, many songs themed around parting, friendship, and youth have been released and embraced as graduation songs.

Among the many graduation songs out there, this article will focus on tracks released during the Heisei era.

For those who remember that time, the songs we’re about to introduce are sure to bring back memories!

And since many of these graduation songs remain popular today, current students can enjoy them as well.

Heisei Graduation Songs Roundup: Iconic Youth Anthems from the ’90s to the 2010s (81–90)

Just a little longer until graduationGLAY

A bittersweet masterpiece you’ll want to listen to during graduation season—that’s this song by GLAY.

Centered on feelings for days gone by and the bonds of friendship, TERU’s gentle vocals resonate deep in the heart.

Released in September 2002, the track struck a chord with many listeners and has remained beloved ever since.

Based on TAKURO’s own experiences, the lyrics capture both the nostalgia of school days and the anticipation for the future.

It’s a must-listen not only for students about to graduate, but also for adults who look back fondly on their school years.

GLAY’s signature moving melody and lyrics are sure to touch your heart.

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spring melancholyMrs. GREEN APPLE

This is a song by Mrs.

GREEN APPLE themed around youth and graduation.

Written by vocalist Motoki Omori the day after he graduated from high school, it captures the genuine feelings of a graduate.

It conveys complex emotions about school life and friendships, and it tugs at your heart when you listen.

The track is included on the single “Love me, Love you,” released in February 2018, and it also has a music video.

The MV, produced in collaboration with Suntory’s “Craft Boss,” is a must-see.

It’s a perfect song not only for students about to graduate, but also for anyone nostalgic for their bygone youth.

With its relaxed tempo, it’s easy to sing at karaoke.

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Goodbye Memoriessupercell

[Supercell] Sayonara Memories | Goodbye Memories [HD/HQ] [ENG/ROMAJI]
Goodbye Memoriessupercell

A poignant song about parting in the season of cherry blossoms.

It delicately portrays the feelings of young people facing the end of their youth and a new beginning.

With lyrics that express gratitude for days gone by and hope for the future, it’s sure to resonate deeply with listeners.

Released in February 2010, the song reached No.

7 on the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart.

The limited first edition also includes the music video, making it a work filled with memories from the final days of high school.

It’s recommended not only for students about to graduate, but also for adults who want to look back on their past.

Give this heartwarming track a listen—it will bring back nostalgic memories of your youth.

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Tsubasaandāgurafu

This is one of Under Graph’s signature songs, expressing the loneliness of parting that accompanies a departure and the vow to meet again with a smile.

From the introductory guitar phrase onward, the overall sound conveys feelings of loneliness and poignancy.

The lyrics depict a call to walk resolutely along each of our own paths, and it also feels as though the vow to reunite helps to ease the sadness.

It’s a song that emphasizes a bittersweet sense of longing, carrying a message that to move forward into the future, it’s also important to look back and feel that loneliness.

kappamaki
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HometownEvery Little Thing

Every Little Thing is a musical duo known for songs that symbolize the J-POP scene of the 1990s, such as “Dear My Friend” and “Time goes by.” The track “Hometown,” included on their second album Time to Destination, makes an impact with an intro where an evocative synth sound overlaps with rock guitar.

The lyrics, which depict the scenes and feelings of school days coming to an end with graduation, convey both anxiety about changing circumstances and a wish for unchanging friendship.

It’s a sentimental number, marked by a wistful melody carried by a relaxed shuffle beat.

Hoshino Takashi
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In conclusion

We’ve introduced a whole collection of classic songs that colored graduation scenes throughout the Heisei era. If you experienced graduation during Heisei, it surely brought back some nostalgia, didn’t it? It’s also surprising how many of the songs we featured are still beloved as standard graduation tracks across Japan today. Each one is a timeless classic, so why not take this opportunity to listen to them again, carefully and at your leisure?